Judith, I think that what you are seeing with Franklin's focusing on the Tempest is striking while the iron's hot. There are many in the fire, but when all are glowing red and one is white hot, you have to go with that. The other services and deals that were mentioned are still active, as far as we know, but they will stay in the fire while we build around them. Many of these deals seem to be that once the rest of the pieces are in place, these will fall in properly. I don't think we have actually changed from Frame Relay, to Satelite, to ATM. I think we have established a presence for ourselves in each of these technologies and feathered our bed, so that whatever the future brings we are prepared for it. Many others will not cover their bases, these types of announcements should make you rest easier, not cause stress. When you see a company with enough vision to understand that one year from now there may be a better way to do things, you have to love the fact that they are aware of evolving technologies and stand poised to utilize whatever comes down the pike.
Now the Internet Cafe, Red Herring and other types of deals are intriguing for the future, but in a different light. ICP, or Internet Content Providers, are going to grow by tremendous amounts in the next 10 years. These will take time to realize their potential; however, they are equally important to the future of this company. FTEL has displayed what technical capabilities it's hardware is capable of delivering to ICP's. Did the NetWaves site come via Red Herring or the IC? If so is that a failure in your opinion?
Movies are in the future of the Internet, but as of now, it is still in it's infancy. The studios are just now starting to explore the advantages and possibilities. It's taken this long because until recently the technology was not capable of delivering the payoff that is needed. Do not think however that studios will rush into getting their movies out through this means. They take everything slowly and cautiously. Look how long it has taken them to fully embrace DVD.
The FTEL press releases that you have listed are very consistent in a few catergories. Leading edge technologies, large big money technically savvy partners and customers and an eye to what the future brings. Your list shows a balance and insight in the company that I challenge you to find elsewhere in this industry. We have opened many streams of revenue. Which one do you select first? I would pick the one most likely to turn into a raging river, while letting the others grow at their pace. Some of these announcements are not going to recognize big returns for a while, because they are AHEAD of the game. One thing that comes through loud and clear from the PR's you have assembled, FTEL will be there, no matter what the game of the future is and they'll be there first!
Ask yourself what you beleive the future of technology and the Internet will be. If you do not see any of FTEL's services and technology in that future, you should not invest in them. I however see them as covering as many bets as they can and find that positive, whereas your take seems to be negative. Seems difficult for me to understand that, but I am an optimist and only invest where I see positive happenings.
Evan |
